Yeah, yeah. I know..... What bright spots, right?

 

Actually, there are a few things that may not make today seem all that great, but make the future look bright.

 

First, the secondary. I know everyone is going to say that they've had a ton of points put up on them, but what do you expect when the defense spends the majority of the game on the field. They are rookies, and all things considered, they aren't looking terrible. They're only going to get better as well. Look at guys like the safeties. Cyp and Evans look like they could be long term solutions at the safety positions. Evans is raw, but already looks like he is making progress. Cyp gets better each game. Blackmon may be the biggest surprise of the group, and has been very solid. He is also a very raw talent. Having been hurt for the first couple seasons of his NFL career, he is essentially a rookie, but with the advantage of a couple years of NFL coaching under his belt. It's a bit premature to say what Gratz will turn out to be, but if the preseason and first game is any indication, he looks to be a quality player. Add in Ball and Harris, and you have a pretty strong unit. A unit that may not be great right now, but shows signs of improvement every week, and with some help from other areas of this team, could turn into a strength down the road.

 

Another guy to keep an eye on is LaRoy Reynolds. The guy has been very good on special teams, and is pushing the starters for a spot already at the LB position. The question is whehter or not he can transition from ILB to OLB will determine if he sees the field soon. If not, he could be groomed to be the heir apparent to Poz.

 

I haven't gotten down on Joeckel yet. He hasn't played the greatest, but shows flashes. I really don't think we can grade him with the interior line playing they way they have, along with him being fairly new to a new level of competition and a position switch. I think time and reinforcemnt of positions around him will provide wonderful results.

 

Finally, Todman. I know he hasn't done much from the RB positon, but honestly, who has, and who would with the dismal line they're running behind. Clearly, the loss of Greg Jones has affected the running game as well. Still, after watching some of his runs leaves me believing that he could develop into a quality back. I saw a mock for 2014 recently, which had us taking a RB in the second at #33. I disagree. I think Todman could be at the very least a stopgap for a season or two, leaving those early picks for other areas.

 

So, amongst all the doom and gloom, there are some bright spots, and some good potential building blocks for the future. It all has to start somewhere. I see a start. I won't pile on with all the naysayers and act like there is no hope whatsoever. I see hope in the form of the future. It doesn't make me feel any better about today, or even this season, but it gives me hope for the future.

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